EP1645420B1 - Ink container for ink jet printer - Google Patents

Ink container for ink jet printer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1645420B1
EP1645420B1 EP05027418A EP05027418A EP1645420B1 EP 1645420 B1 EP1645420 B1 EP 1645420B1 EP 05027418 A EP05027418 A EP 05027418A EP 05027418 A EP05027418 A EP 05027418A EP 1645420 B1 EP1645420 B1 EP 1645420B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
ink container
container
holder
liquid container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP05027418A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1645420A2 (en
EP1645420A3 (en
Inventor
Hiroyuki Inoue
Sadayuki Sugama
Soichi Hiramatsu
Hideki Yamaguchi
Toshihiko Ujita
Akihiro Yamanaka
Takashi Nojima
Yasuo Kotaki
Heiichiro Tsukuda
Hitoshi Nakamura
Akira Kida
Hideaki Kawakami
Takeshi Iwasaki
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=27459593&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1645420(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority claimed from JP6199809A external-priority patent/JP2801149B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP3234795A external-priority patent/JP3042826B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP4110795A external-priority patent/JP3062030B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP4081495A external-priority patent/JP3115783B2/ja
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Publication of EP1645420A2 publication Critical patent/EP1645420A2/en
Publication of EP1645420A3 publication Critical patent/EP1645420A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1645420B1 publication Critical patent/EP1645420B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17553—Outer structure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17513—Inner structure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
    • B41J2/17523—Ink connection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17543—Cartridge presence detection or type identification
    • B41J2/1755—Cartridge presence detection or type identification mechanically

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a liquid container for an ink jet recording apparatus.
  • an ink jet recording apparatus comprising: an ink container for storing the recording ink; an ink container holder for removably holding the ink container, a carriage which removably holds the recording head, and is moved in a manner of scanning the recording medium, in terms of the relative movement between the carriage and recording medium.
  • the recording apparatus which records images on recording medium (hereinafter, it may be called “recording paper”) such as paper, fabric, plastic sheet, OHP sheet, or the like, has been proposed in the form of an apparatus capable of accommodating recording heads of various system; for example, the wire-dot system, thermal system, thermal transfer system, and ink jet system.
  • recording paper such as paper, fabric, plastic sheet, OHP sheet, or the like
  • the ink jet system is a quite non-impact system, which records images on the recording medium by means of ejecting ink from ejection orifices (nozzles) aligned on a recording element. Therefore, recording apparatuses employing this ink jet system (hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus) can record with high density at a high speed.
  • the form of the ink jet recording apparatus is chosen to accommodate specific functions of a system in which the recording apparatus is employed, and also to match the way it is used.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus comprises: a carriage for mounting the recording ink container; conveying means for conveying the recording medium; and controlling means for controlling these sections.
  • a recording head which ejects ink droplets from a plurality of ejection orifices is moved in the direction (primary scanning direction) perpendicular to the direction (secondary scanning direction) in which the recording paper is conveyed, in a manner of serially scanning the recording medium.
  • the recording medium is moved in the secondary scanning direction by a pitch equivalent to the recording width.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus is inexpensive to run, and its size can be easily reduced. In addition, it can be easily used with a plurality of color inks to record color images. Lastly, it can record at a high speed. In particular, when a line-type recording apparatus employing a line-type recording head, in which a large number of ejection orifices are aligned across the entire width of the recording medium, is used, the recording speed can be increased to a higher level.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus is used, being commercialized, as output means for information processing systems.
  • it is used as a printer as a peripheral output device for a copying machine, an electric typewriter, a word processor, a work station, and the like, or as a printer (or a portable printer) for a personal computer, a host computer, an optical disc apparatus, a video apparatus, and the like.
  • an energy generating element for generating the energy to be used for ejecting the ink from the ejection orifices of the recording head
  • the ink jet recording heads employing electromechanical transducers such as piezoelectric elements; those employing electromagnetic devices such as a laser that irradiates electromagnetic wave to generate the heat to be used for ejecting the ink droplets; those employing electrothermal transducers comprising heat generating resistors to be used for heating the liquid; and the like.
  • those employing the ink jet recording system that uses thermal energy to eject the ink droplets can record with high resolution, since the ejection orifices thereof can be aligned with high density.
  • those employing the electrothermal elements as the energy generating elements enjoy several advantages in that their size can be easily reduced; they can be highly integrated, and their production cost is lower, since they can make full use of the highly advanced, reliable IC and microprocessing technologies, which have been developed in the semiconductor field.
  • the ink container for supplying the ink to the recording head generally comprises an ink absorbing member, a container for storing this ink absorbing member, and a cover member for sealing this container.
  • the aforementioned recording heads can be classified into two groups: a chip type head integral with the ink container, and a separate type head removably connectable to the ink container.
  • a chip type head integral with the ink container and a separate type head removably connectable to the ink container.
  • the positional relationship between the recording head and ink container, or between a recording head cartridge comprising the recording head and ink container integral therewith, and the carriage is an essential matter in terms of printing quality.
  • One of the means for fixing their relationship comprises a hole, and a pin that engages into the hole, wherein the positional relationship can be accurately fixed as the hole and bin are engaged.
  • a mechanism comprising a lever or the like, which is operated for moving the ink container or recording head cartridge in various directions, has been employed as a mechanism for fixing the aforementioned positional relationship between the recording head and ink container, or between the recording head cartridge and carriage, so that the installation or removal thereof requires a smaller space than otherwise.
  • the aforementioned mechanism which moves the ink container or recording head cartridge in various directions during installation or removal thereof, requires only a small space for the installation or removal, and therefore, contributes to the size reduction of the ink jet recording apparatus.
  • its operation for installing or removing the ink container or recording head is relatively complicated. Therefore, it is important to obtain a structure which is small, simple to operate, trouble free during the installing or removing operation, and also does not reduce accuracy in the positional relationship.
  • EP-A-0 546 832 discloses a liquid container for an ink jet recording apparatus, capable of containing liquid to be used by an ink jet head.
  • the liquid container is detachably mountable to a holder having the ink jet head.
  • the liquid container comprises a main body for containing a liquid, a supply port for supplying the liquid to the recording head.
  • the supply port is disposed in a portion which forms the bottom of the container in operation.
  • a first engaging portion in the form of a coupling nail, provided on a first side of the main body, is adapted to engage with a first locking portion of the holder.
  • An further coupling nail is adapted to engage with a second locking portion of the holder.
  • the liquid container has a simple structure, and can simplify the operation for mounting or removing the liquid container, without reducing the positioning accuracy, and the sizes of which can be easily reduced.
  • the liquid container is capable of effectively utilizing the available internal space for storing the ink, has a simple structure, can be mounted or removed through a simple operation, and is more reliable and durable, and the size of which can be further reduced.
  • the liquid container improves the ink supplying capacity while allowing the liquid container size to be reduced.
  • the present invention provides an ink jet recording apparatus capable of improving operational properties.
  • a protective member makes it possible to protect more reliably the liquid container produced in accordance with the present invention, while it is sold or stored.
  • An inexpensive liquid container is achieved by means of simplifying the external configuration of the small liquid container, and a method is achieved for reliably mounting such an liquid container into the holder.
  • the problems are solved that occur when a liquid container, the ink supply port of which is fitted with a unidirectional ink supplying member, is mounted; in particular, when such a liquid container is mounted through a rotary motion.
  • the present invention was made in consideration of the discovery that the liquid container failed to be reliably mounted depending on acting point. Accordingly, the present invention is effective for mounting the liquid container, in particular, when at least the width or length of the ink container is more than the thickness (height) thereof.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
  • a recording head cartridge 1 is removably mounted on a carriage 2, which is supported on a guide shaft 5 and a guide rail 12.
  • the guide shaft 5 and guide rail 12 are fixed to a frame 4 at both ends, in parallel to each other, and the carriage 2 is slidable on these shafts 5 and 12 in the direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which recording medium P is conveyed, and also is parallel to the surface of recording medium P.
  • a carriage 2 is connected to a part of a carriage driving belt 11 which is stretched around a drive pulley 13 and a rotatively supported follower pulley (unillustrated).
  • a driver pulley 13 is fixed to the output shaft of a carriage drive motor 10. As the carriage driver motor 10 is driven, the carriage driver belt 11 is rotated, reciprocating the carriage in the aforementioned direction.
  • the recording head cartridge 1 is constituted of an ink container holder comprising: a nozzle portion 50 ( Figure 5 ) as a recording head for ejecting the ink in response to a recording signal, that is, an electric signal for ejecting the ink; and a mono-color holder 60 ( Figure 5 ) which removably holds the ink container 30 for storing the ink.
  • the nozzle portion 50 is located at the bottom (bottom end portion of the drawing) of the recording head cartridge 1, from which the ink is ejected downward of the drawing.
  • the recording signal is sent from a controller circuit to the nozzle portion, through a flexible cable 3 provided on the carriage 2.
  • the controller circuit controls the operation of this ink jet recording apparatus.
  • the flexible cable 3 is disposed in parallel to the moving direction of the carriage 2, and forms a loop as the carriage moves.
  • the recording head cartridge 1 and carriage 2 will be described in detail at a later time.
  • the recording medium P is mounted on a pressure plate 8 rotatively supported on the frame 4 at both ends.
  • the pressure plate 8 is under a pressure directed toward a pickup roller 9 by a pressing means (unillustrated).
  • the recording medium P placed on the pressure plate 8 is pressed upon the pickup roller 9.
  • the pressure plate 8 has separating means (unillustrated) such as a separating claw, which is employed in a conventional automatic sheet feeding apparatus; therefore, only a single recording medium P, that is, the topmost sheet, is fed out by the function of this separating means.
  • the recording medium P having been fed out by the pickup roller 9 is fed downward of the carriage 2, being held between a conveyer roller 6, which is supported by the frame 4 at both ends, and a pinch roller 7 provided on a base 14.
  • the recording is made on the recording medium P positioned in this manner.
  • a sheet discharger roller 15 and a spur 16 are disposed, opposing each other, and the recording medium P having passed underneath the carriage 2 is held between the sheet discharger roller 15 and spur 16, and is subsequently discharged.
  • the pickup roller 9, conveyer roller 6, and sheet discharger roller 15 are driven by a sheet feeder motor (unillustrated).
  • the upstream side relative to the recording medium P conveying direction, will be called a rear side, and the surface on the rear side will be called a back surface; the downstream side will be called a front side, the surface thereof being a front surface.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ink jet recording apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 , wherein the apparatus is placed in a case.
  • the outer shell is constituted of a bottom case 18 and a top case 17, and the ink jet recording apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 is placed in the shell.
  • a top cover 19 for covering the top case is attached.
  • This top cover 19 can be freely opened or closed.
  • the top case 17 has an opening which is located adjacent to the pressure plate 8, and the opened top cover 19 serves as a tray to be used for setting the recording medium P on the pressure plate 8.
  • the top case 17 has another opening which extends from its central portion to the front surface, and from this opening, the recording head cartridge 1 or the ink container 30 can be mounted or dismounted. Therefore, when the recording head cartridge 1 or the ink container 30 is replaced, the carriage 2 is moved to the central point of its moving range through a predetermined operation.
  • a head cover 20 is attached, which covers a part of the top portion of this opening, and constitutes a portion of the front surface.
  • This head cover 20 is also freely opened or closed, but, when the recording head cartridge 1 or ink container 30 is not exchanged, it is left closed to protect the recording head cartridge.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the carriage 2 of the ink jet recording apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 .
  • the carriage 2 has a configuration like a frame, and in its void, the recording head cartridge 1 ( Figure 1 ) is mounted.
  • the recording head cartridge 1 ( Figure 1 ) is mounted on the back surface of the carriage 2.
  • two bearings 2a are integrally attached, through which a guide shaft 5 is put.
  • two guide rail holders 2b are integrally mounted on the front surface of the carriage 2, as holding means, and a stopper 2c for preventing the carriage deformation, are integrally mounted.
  • the guide rail holders 2b are located on the side of a cable retainer 21, and the carriage deformation preventing stopper 2c is located on the side of a head guide 22.
  • the guide rail holder 2b and carriage deformation preventing stopper 2c are disposed a predetermined distance away from each other, and are constituted of two members, which hold a guide rail 12 in the form of plate, and vertically project.
  • the carriage 2 is supported by two bearings 2a, the guide rail holder 2b, and the carriage deformation preventing stopper 2c. With this arrangement, the carriage 2 is supported in parallel to the base 14 ( Figure 1 ), so that the distance between the nozzle portion 50 ( Figure 5 ) of the recording head cartridge 1 mounted on the carriage 2, and the recording medium P ( Figure 1 ), can be kept substantially stable.
  • the distance between the two members constituting the carriage deformation preventing stopper 2c is rendered larger than the distance between the two members constituting the guide rail holder 2b; therefore in practical terms, the carriage 2 is supported at three points excluding the carriage deformation preventing stopper 2c. This is due to the following factor. In consideration of the load applied by the sliding carriage 2, three supporting points, which are not in a straight line, are enough to support the carriage 2 in parallel to the base 4. Further, the provision of the carriage deformation preventing stopper 2c is for preventing the carriage 2 from being unnecessarily displaced or deformed by the load added to the guide rail holder 2b and bearings 2a when the recording head cartridge 1 is mounted on, or removed from, the carriage 2, so that operational troubles can be avoided. The reasons for disposing the carriage deformation preventing stopper 2c on the head guide 22 side is that, when the recording head cartridge 1 is mounted on, or removed from, the carriage 2, a certain amount of force is applied to this head guide 22.
  • the flexible cable 3 is routed through a predetermined path, and a cable terminal 3a attached to its end is fixed to the carriage 2, on the inner side of the right wall in the drawing.
  • the cable terminal 3a comes in contact with the head terminal 53 of the recording head cartridge 1, establishing thereby an electrical connection for the recording head cartridge 1, when the recording head cartridge 1 is mounted on the carriage 2.
  • the cable retainer 21 is constituted of a bent plate member of electrically conductive material such as stainless steel.
  • the top end constitutes a cover portion 21a extending further inward of the carriage 2 than the cable terminal 3a.
  • a part of the cable retainer 21 is in contact with the CND pattern of the flexible cable 3.
  • the cable retainer 21 is grounded through the flexible cable 3.
  • the able terminal 3a comes under the cover portion 21a; therefore, it becomes unlikely for the fingers or the like of the operator to touch the cable terminal 3a. As a result, it becomes easier for the aforementioned static electricity or the like to be discharged to the cable retainer 21, and in addition, the cable terminal 3a itself can be protected by the cover portion 21a.
  • the head positioning projection 2d is in the form of a square piller, and is located on the rear side of the cable terminal 3a.
  • the other positioning projection 2e is in the form of a cylinder with a conic tip, and is located on the front side of the cable terminal 3a.
  • the head positioning projection 2d is in the head positioning notch 53a ( Figure 5 ) of the recording head cartridge 1
  • the other head positioning projection 2e is in the head positioning hole 53b ( Figure 5 ) of the recording head cartridge 1, whereby the position of the recording head cartridge 1 on the carriage 2 is accurately fixed.
  • the head positioning projections 2d and 2c constitute the head positioning means of the carriage 2
  • the head positioning notch 53a and head positioning hole 53b constitute the head positioning means of the recording head cartridge 1.
  • a contact spring 23 is disposed at a location facing the cable terminal 3a, and the head guide 22 formed of resin material is fixed to one end of the contact spring 23.
  • the head guide 22 is elastically supported on the carriage 2.
  • the head guide 22 is in the head pressing portion 60b ( Figure 6 ) of the recording head cartridge 1, and presses the recording head cartridge 1 toward the cable terminal 3a due to the force from the contact spring 23, as will be described later.
  • the cable terminal 3a and head guide 22 are positioned to face directly to each other, so that the contact between the cable terminal 3a and head terminal 35 is guaranteed. Further, the head guide 22 plays the role of a guide when the recording head cartridge 1 is mounted on the carriage 2.
  • a torsional coil spring of the double torsion type is employed as the contact spring 23, and two portions of the coil are supported by a supporting rod integrally formed on the carriage 2.
  • a portion of the cable retainer 21 constitutes the cover portion 21a, and the head guide 22 is located at the point directly facing the cable terminal 3a; therefore, when the recording head cartridge 1 is mounted on the carriage 2, the carriage 2 surface on the head terminal 53 side is placed under the cover portion 21a, and the recording head cartridge 1 is rotated about the edge of the cover portion 21a. As a result, it requires only a small space to mount the recording head cartridge 1 on the carriage 2, with the cover portion 21a serving as a guide.
  • the cover portion 21a extends over the cable terminal 3a; therefore, if an attempt is made to amount the recording head cartridge 1 without placing the head terminal 35 side of the recording head cartridge 1, under the cover portion 21a, the base plate 51 or the like of the recording head cartridge 1 touches the cover portion 21a before it comes in contact with the cable terminal 3a, preventing thereby the recording head cartridge 1 from damaging the cable terminal 3a.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of the recording head cartridge 1 of the ink jet recording apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 , as seen from the direction from which the head terminal 53 can be seen.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of the recording head cartridge 1 of the in jet recording apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 , as seen from the direction from which the recording head cartridge 1 surface, opposite to the head terminal 35, can be seen.
  • Figure 7 is a bottom view of the recording head cartridge 1 of the ink jet recording apparatus illustrated in Figure 1
  • Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the essential portions of the nozzle portion 50 of the recording head cartridge 1, illustrated in Figure 7 .
  • This recording head cartridge 1 is a cartridge for monochrome printing. Referring to Figures 5 - 7 , it integrally comprises the nozzle portion 50 for ejecting the ink, and the mono-color holder 60.
  • the mono-color holder is a box shaped holder, and its top surface has an opening. In the internal space of the mono-color holder 60, the ink container 30 containing monochromatic ink is removably mounted.
  • the nozzle portion 50 comprises a base plate 51 formed of metallic material such aluminum, and a grooved member 52.
  • the grooved member has various grooves for forming a plurality of liquid passages 50d and a common liquid chamber 50c and is fixed to the base plate.
  • electrothermal transducers heat generating resistors or the like for generating the energy to be used for ejecting the ink are disposed in correspondence to the aforementioned plurality of ink passages 50d, which are arranged at a predetermined pitch.
  • the common liquid chamber 50c is connected to the ink container ( Figure 5 ), and the ink is supplied to the common liquid chamber 50c from the ink container 30.
  • Each electrothermal transducer 50e is electrically connected to the head terminal 53 through wiring (unillustrated).
  • the head terminal 53 is constituted of a piece of electrical substrate such as glass epoxy resin fixed to the base plate, and the wiring connected to the electrothermal transducer 50e is also connected to the head terminal 53 using the wire bonding means.
  • the base plate 51 is tilted one to four degrees, relative to the recording medium P conveying direction; therefore, the line formed by the ejection orifices 50b is also tilted one to four degrees, relative to the recording medium P conveying direction.
  • the ink which is temporarily stored in the common liquid chamber 50c after having been supplied thereto from the ink container, enters the liquid passage 50d due to the capillarity, and forms a meniscus at the ejection orifice 50b. This meniscus keeps the liquid passage filled with the ink. Under this condition, power is supplied to the electrothermal transducer 50c in response to the recording signal transmitted to the head terminal 53, and the electrothermal transducer 50e generates heat. Then, the ink on the ink electrothermal transducer 50e is suddenly heated to cause the film-boiling, and develops bubbles in the liquid passage 50d. As these bubbles expand, the ink is ejected from the ejection orifices 50b.
  • the electrothermal transducer 50c was quoted as the energy generating element, but the energy generating element is not limited to the electrothermal transducer 50c. Instead, a piezoelectric element, which generates mechanical energy capable of instantly applying the ejection pressure to the ink, may be employed.
  • the base plate 51 is fixed to one of the lateral walls of the mono-color holder 60, using the thermal welding, the ultrasonic welding, or the like welding method.
  • a stepped portion 60a is formed at the end portion, on the side of the base plate 51; in other words, this portion is one step lower than the other portions.
  • a head pressing portion 60b and a head mounting-dismounting tab 60c are formed on the mono-color holder 60, on the outward facing surface of the lateral wall located on the opposite side of the base plate 51.
  • the head pressing portion 60b is a head fixing portion, which is held by the head guide 22 ( Figure 3 ) of the carriage 2 when the recording head cartridge 1 is mounted on the carriage 2.
  • the head mounting dismounting tab 60c is a tab to be used to mount the recording head cartridge 1 on the carriage 2, or remove it.
  • the head pressing portion 60b is a recessed portion formed on the mono-color holder 60, on the wall opposite to the base plate 51, extending from the bottom edge of the surface to the top edge thereof.
  • the top end portion of the head pressing portion 60b constitutes a head guide engaging portion 64, which is further recessed, and when the recording head cartridge 1 is mounted on the carriage 2, the head guide 22 of the carriage 2 is engaged with this head guide engaging portion 64. As the head guide 22 engages with the head guide engaging portion 64 the recording head cartridge 1 is accurately positioned and fixed on the carriage 2.
  • the head mounting-dismounting tab 60c is located on the front side of the recording head cartridge 1 in the drawing, that is, on the surface where the head pressing portion 60b is formed, at the top portion of the area farthest away from the head pressing portion 60b. IT is provided to make it easier for the operator to remove the recording head cartridge 1 from the carriage 2; the operator can place a finger on the tab to pull up the recording head cartridge 1.
  • the head pressing portion 60b is formed in one of the recessed regions, and the head mounting-dismounting tab 60c is formed in the other. These recessed regions are recessed relative to the neighboring (projecting) regions, which project due to the formation of a latch lever guide groove 60h ( Figure 12 ).
  • the latch lever guide groove 60h which will be described later, constitutes the guide for a latch lever 32a. Therefore, the limited space available for the recording head cartridge 1 is effectively used; a minimum space is used to provide a head fixing portion which is held by the head guide 22, and also, the head mounting-dismounting tab to be used when the recording head cartridge 1 is removed from the carriage 2.
  • the recording head cartridge 1 When the recording head cartridge 1 is mounted on the carriage 2, the recording head cartridge 1 is diagonally inserted in the direction of an arrow mark, with the base plate 51 ( Figure 5 ) side being placed under the cover portion 21a of the cable retainer 21 disposed on the carriage 2, as shown in Figure 9 . With this procedure, the upright surface of the stepped portion 60a ( Figure 5 ) of the recording head cartridge 1 runs into the edge of the cover portion 21a, fixing the position of the recording head cartridge 1 with substantially accuracy.
  • the recording head cartridge 1 is pushed downward as shown in Figure 10 .
  • the slanted surface of the heat pressing portion 60b ( Figure 6 ) of the recording head cartridge 1 is guided by the head guide 22 ( Figure 3 ) of the carriage 2, whereby the recording head cartridge 1 is smoothly mounted on the carriage 2, with the head positioning projections 2d and 2e of the carriage 2 engaging with the head positioning notch 53a and head positioning hole 53b of the recording head cartridge 1.
  • the head guide 22 engages with the head guide engaging portion 64 ( Figure 6 ), whereby the position of the recording head cartridge 1 is fixed.
  • the head terminal 53 of the recording head cartridge 1 is pressed upon the cable terminal 3a of the carriage 2, assuring a reliable electrical connection between them.
  • the head mounting-dismounting tab 60c of the recording head cartridge 1 is pulled upward. With this action, the engagement between the head guide 22 and head guide engaging portion 64 is broken, and as a result, the head pressing portion 60b climbs over the head guide 22.
  • the recording head cartridge 1 becomes tilted, with the head mounting-dismounting tab 60c side projecting from the carriage 2. Then, the recording head cartridge 1 can be easily taken out of the carriage 2 by grasping the portion projecting from the carriage 2.
  • the head mounting-dismounting tab 60c is located on the same surface as the head pressing portion 60b, at a point farthest away from the head pressing portion 60b; therefore, when the head mounting-dismounting tab 60c is pulled up to disengage the head guide engaging portion 64 from the head guide 22, a larger moment is generated. Therefore, the recording head cartridge 1 can be removed by a lessor force; it can be easily removed while being securely held.
  • the head pressing portion 60b is to be disposed on the rear side of the recording head cartridge 1, relative to the center line of the recording head cartridge 1 parallel to the moving direction of the carriage 2, and the head mounting-dismounting tab 60c is to be disposed at the edge of the front side, relative to the same.
  • Figure 11 is a plan view of the recording head cartridge 1 illustrated in Figure 5
  • Figure 12 is a sectional view of the recording head cartridge 1 illustrated in Figure 11 , at a sectional line A-A.
  • the bottom wall of the mono-color holder 60 has an ink tapping tube 60d, which projects from the bottom surface and an ink passage 60, one end of which opens up in this ink tapping tube 60d, and is connected to the common liquid chamber 50c ( Figure 8 ) of the nozzle portion 50.
  • a sealing ring 61 composed of an elastic material such as rubber is fixed.
  • a filter 62 is attached to prevent foreign matter from being taken into the nozzle portion 50.
  • an extended portion 60f is formed at both top ends, on the base plate 51 side, and a container projection guiding portion 60g, which is a semicircular recessed portion, is formed adjacent to the extended portion 60f.
  • the latch lever guide groove 60h which serves as the latch lever 32a ( Figures 5 and 6 ) guide when the ink container 30 ( Figures 5 and 6 ) is mounted, is formed on the internal surface of the mono-color holder 60 wall located opposite to the base plate 51. Further, a slanted surface 60k is formed at the edge where the bottom mono-color holder 60 wall and the base plate 51 side wall join.
  • Figure 13 is a plan view of the ink container 30 not claimed to be mounted in the recording head cartridge 1 illustrated in Figure 5
  • Figure 14 is a sectional view of the ink container 30 not claimed and illustrated in Figure 13 , at a sectional line B-B.
  • the ink container 30 not claimed comprises a container 32 for holding the ink, and a cover member 31 for covering and sealing the container 32.
  • the cover member 31 has an air vent (unillustrated).
  • an ink delivery port 32b is formed, into which the ink tapping tube 60d ( Figure 12 ) of the mono-color holder 60 is inserted.
  • a cylindrical supporting portion 32c is erected.
  • an ink absorbing member 33 formed of sponge or the like material is stored, and the ink is absorbed and retained by this ink absorbing member 33.
  • an ink delivery member 35 constituted of a bundle of unidirectional fiber is inserted and supported, and the ink absorbing member 33 is airtightly placed in contact with the top end surface of the ink delivery member 35.
  • the ink, having been absorbed and retained in the ink absorbing member 33, is led to the ink delivery port 32b by way of this ink delivery member 35.
  • the ink tapping tube 60d of the mono-color holder 60 is inserted into the ink delivery port 32b, forming an ink path, and then, the ink is supplied to the nozzle portion 50 through the ink passage 60d.
  • the seal ring 61 fitted around the ink delivery port 32b is airtightly pressed on the peripheries of the ink delivery port 32b, preventing ink leakage.
  • ribs 34 are formed on the internal surfaces of the container 31 and cover member 31, at predetermined locations (in Figure 14 , only the ribs 34 of the cover member 31 are illustrated), so that a predetermined amount of space is formed between the ink absorbing member 33 and the container walls, and between the ink absorbing member 33 and cover member 31; and also, a slit (unillustrated) for connecting the internal space of the container 32 to the outside is formed on the internal surface of the supporting member 32c.
  • the ink is prevented from blowing out of the ink delivery port 32b or leaking therefrom when the sealing member sealing the ink delivery port 32d is peeled off. Further, even when the ambient temperature of the ink container 30 not claimed rises while recording, the ink within the ink container 30 not claimed is not forced out. Further, the ink ceases to adhere to the internal walls of the container 32; therefore, it becomes unnecessary to be concerned about the ink leak from the ink delivery port 32 and air vent, and also, the ratio of the usable ink increases.
  • the container 32 integrally comprises a disengagement prevention claw 32d, which is a claw-like projection.
  • This disengagement prevention claw 32d is located on the container surface, which comes in contact with the internal surface of the mono-color holder 60 wall on the base plate 51 side when the ink container 30 is mounted in the mono-color holder 60. It engages with a container disengagement prevention hole 60i ( Figure 12 ) provided on the mono-color holder 60. It also serves as a guide when the ink container 30 not claimed is mounted in the mono-color holder 60, and also plays a role for holding the ink container 30 not claimed when the ink container 30 is in the mono-color holder 60.
  • a slanted surface 32f is formed at the container 32 edge where the bottom wall joins with the wall on which the disengagement prevention claw 32d is formed.
  • the angle and configuration of this slanted surface 32f are substantially the same as the slanted surface 60k ( Figure 12 ) of the mono-color holder 60.
  • a latch lever 32 is integrally formed, the bottom portion of which is elastically supported.
  • the latch lever 32a is extended upward in a manner to move away from the container 32 wall, and it engages with the latch lever guide groove 60h ( Figures 11 and 12 ) of the mono-color holder 60.
  • the latch lever 32a is used the pressure from the latch lever guide groove 60h, being bent in the direction of an arrow mark C indicated in Figure 14 , and the latch claw 32e formed on the latch lever 32a is in the latch claw engagement hole 60j formed in the latch lever guide groove 60h.
  • the latch lever 32a is integrally formed on the container 32.
  • a stepped portion 31a which is one step lower than the top surface of the cover member 31, is formed on the cover member 31 top surface, at the disengagement prevention claw 31a side end.
  • the ink container 30 not claimed is mounted in the mono-color holder 60, the ink container 30 not claimed is to be inserted placing this stepped portion 31a under the extended portions 60f ( Figures 11 and 12 ) of the mono-color holder 60, so that the ink container 30 not claimed can be positioned with substantial accuracy.
  • a container projection 31b is formed, which engages with the container projection guide 60g of the mono-color holder 60.
  • the sealing member sealing the ink delivery port 32b is first peeled. Then, the ink container 30 not claimed is diagonally inserted in the direction of an arrow, from the engagement prevention claw 32d side, as shown in Figure 16 , placing the stepped portion 31a of the ink container 30 not claimed under the extended portion 60f of the mono-color holder 60, engaging the disengagement prevention claw 32d of the ink container 30 not claimed with the container disengagement prevention hole 60i ( Figure 12 ) of the mono-color holder 60, so that the ink container 30 not claimed is positioned with substantial accuracy.
  • the slanted surface 32f is formed on the ink container 30 not claimed, it is easy to place the stepped portion 31a of the ink container 30 not claimed under the extended portion 60f of the mono-color holder 60; all that is needed is to insert the ink container 30 not claimed, keeping this slanted surface 32f substantially in parallel to the bottom wall of the mono-color holder 60. Also, since the mono-color holder 60 and ink container 30 not claimed are provided with the slant surfaces 60k and 32f, respectively, which match each other, a different type of ink container cannot be mounted in this mono-color holder 60, preventing a wrong ink container from being mounted.
  • the ink container 30 not claimed is pushed in downward, so that the latch lever 32a moves along the latch lever guide groove 60h ( Figures 11 and 12 ). Then, the ink container 30 not claimed makes a substantially rotational movement about the ink container 30 portion having been already inserted in the mono-color holder 60. As a result, the latch lever 32a is forced into the mono-color holder 60, being bent inward by the latch lever guide groove 60h, and the latch claw 32e ( Figure 14 ) of the latch lever 32a engages with the latch claw engagement hole 60j ( Figure 12 ) of the mono-color holder 60, fixing the ink container 30 not claimed to the mono-color holder 60. Further, there are a sound and a feed of clicking at the moment the latch 32e engages with the latch claw engagement hole 60j, assuring the operator that the ink container 30 not claimed has been successfully mounted.
  • the latch lever 32a When dismounting the ink container 30 not claimed from the mono-color holder 60, the latch lever 32a is pushed inward, so that it becomes diengaged from the latch claw engagement hole 60j. Since the latch lever 32a is elastically supported at the bottom end, and is extended in the diagonally upward direction, it tries to restore the state illustrated in Figure 14 , as soon as the engagement between the latch claw 32e and latch claw hole 60j is broken. Therefore, the bottom side surface of the latch lever 32a slides up along the latch lever guide 60h, automatically tilting the ink container 30 not claimed, that is, automatically raising the latch lever 32a side of the ink container 30 not claimed out of the mono-color holder 60. Then, the ink container 30 not claimed can be easily dismounted from the mono-color holder 60 just by grasping the raised portion.
  • the ink container 30 not claimed is mounted on the mono-color holder 60, or dismounted, through the substantially rotational movement, it requires only a small space to do so. Further, when mounting, the stepped portion 31a is placed under the extended portion 60f of the mono-color holder 60, with the slanted surface 32f of the ink container 60 serving as the guide; therefore, the direction in which the ink container 30 not claimed is inserted into the mono-color holder 60 is regulated.
  • the container projection 31b is provided on the ink container 30 not claimed, and also, the container projection guide portion 60g is provided on the mono-color holder 60; therefore, it is also regulated where in the mono-color holder 60 the ink container 30 not claimed is inserted, and the ink container 30 not claimed is rotated substantially about the container projection 31b.
  • the ink container 30 not claimed can be mounted without interfering with the filter 62 ( Figures 11 and 12 ) of the mono-color holder 60, eliminating concern for the filter 62 damage which might occur when mounting the ink container 30 not claimed. Further, since the ink container 30 not claimed is mounted into, or dismounted from, the mono-color holder 60, through the rotational movement, it requires only a small space to do so; therefore, the ink jet recording apparatus size can be further reduced.
  • the ink container 30 not claimed is dismounted from the mono-color holder 60, using the phenomenon that the latch lever 32a side of the ink container 30 not claimed is raised by the resiliency of the latch lever 32a.
  • a pop-up spring 68 as illustrated in Figure 18 may be provided as pressing means for pressing the other side (latch lever 32a side) of the ink container 30 bottom wall, so that the lath lever 32a side of the ink container 30 not claimed may be raised by the force of the pop-up spring 68.
  • the pop-up spring 68 is a leaf spring fixed on the bottom wall of the internal space of the mono-color holder 60.
  • Figure 19 is a perspective view of the ink container 30 not claimed, the recording head cartridge 1, and the carriage 2, wherein the ink container 30 not claimed is in the recording head cartridge 1, and the recording head cartridge 1 is on the carriage 2.
  • the latch lever 32a which is handled when the ink container 30 not claimed is mounted or dismounted
  • the head mounting-dismounting tab 60c which is handled when the recording head cartridge 1 is mounted or dismounted
  • the operator can easily recognize the different portions to be manipulated; in other words, operational consistency is realized, improving thereby operational efficiency.
  • a very compact and logically manipulatable portion can be provided in terms of design.
  • the ink container 30 not claimed or recording head cartridge 1 manipulating space for the operator is required only on the side where the latch lever 32a and head mounting-dismounting tab 60c are located; therefore, the ink container 30 not claimed and/or recording head cartridge 1 can be mounted or dismounted at an optional carriage 2 location, as long as the location satisfies the aforementioned space requirement.
  • the latch lever 32a and head mounting-dismounting tab 60c are disposed adjacent to each other, but the operation for removing the ink container 30 not claimed is an operation to push the latch lever 32a in the inward direction, and the operation for removing the recording head cartridge 1 is an operation to pulling up the head mounting-dismounting tab 60c; therefore, an erroneous operation can be avoided because of the operational difference. Further, the latch lever 32a and head mounting-dismounting tab 60c are positioned at different levels; therefore, their functional difference can be easily recognized.
  • the mounting-demounting frequency of the ink container 30 not claimed is higher; therefore, the head portion (where the operator places a finger) of the latch lever 32a is positioned above the head mounting-demounting tab 60c, in consideration of operational convenience.
  • a mono-color recording head cartridge is employed, but a color recording head cartridge may be employed. In another comparative example, the latter is employed.
  • FIG 20 is a perspective view of a color recording head cartridge to be mounted in the ink jet recording apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 , and two ink containers not claimed to be mounted in this recording head.
  • This color recording head cartridge 10 is structured to removably accommodate a black ink container 130 not claimed for storing black ink, and color ink container 140 not claimed for storing three color inks; yellow, magenta, and cyan inks, and ejects four inks of different colors.
  • the orifices of the nozzle portion 50 are also divided into four groups corresponding to the four inks of different color; black ink ejection orifice group 150B, yellow ink ejection orifice group 150Y, magnet ink ejection orifice group 150M, and cyan ink ejection orifice group 150C. Further, in order to partition the ink container 130 space from the ink container 140 space, a partitioning plate 165 is integrally formed on the bottom wall of the color holder 160.
  • the base plate 151 and head terminal 153 components common to the monochrome recording head cartridge 1 ( Figure 5 ) and color recording head cartridge 101 are employed.
  • the external configuration of the color holder 160 is substantially the same as the mono-color holder 60 ( Figure 5 ), through they differ in details.
  • the configurations of the color recording head cartridge 10 portions which face the internal surface of the carriage 2 wall, and the position of a head mounting-dismounting tab 160c, where a finger is placed when the recording head cartridge 101 is dismounted from the carriage 2 are the same as those of the monochrome recording head cartridge 1; therefore, this recording head cartridge 101 can be mounted on the same carriage 2, on which the monochrome recording head cartridge 1 is mounted.
  • the user can optionally choose the monochrome recording head cartridge 1 or recording head cartridge 101 to use in the same ink jet recording apparatus.
  • Figure 22 is a plan view of the recording head cartridge 101 illustrated in Figure 20 , in which two ink containers 130 and 140 not claimed are in the cartridge 101.
  • Figure 23 is a section of Figure 22 , at a sectional line D-D
  • Figure 24 is a section of Figure 22 , at a sectional line E-E.
  • the black ink container 130 not claimed and color ink container 140 not claimed are mounted side by side on the color holder 160.
  • the configuration formed by the combination of the black ink container 130 not claimed and color ink container 140 not claimed is substantially the same as the configuration of the monochrome ink container 30 not claimed ( Figure 30 ) alone.
  • the black ink container 130 not claimed comprises a container 132 for storing the black ink, and a cover member 131 for covering and sealing the container 132.
  • the cover member 131 has an air vent.
  • an ink delivery port 132b is formed, into which the black ink tapping tube 160d ( Figure 12 ) of the color holder 60 is inserted.
  • a cylindrical supporting portion 132c is erected.
  • the ink delivery port 132b remains sealed with a sealing member (unillustrated) to prevent ink leakage.
  • an ink absorbing member 133 is stored, and the black ink is absorbed and retained by this ink absorbing member 133.
  • an ink delivery member 135 constituted of a bundle of unidirectional fiber, is inserted and supported, and the ink absorbing member 133 is airtightly placed in contact with the top end surface of the ink delivery member 135.
  • the ink having been absorbed and retained in the ink absorbing member 133, is led to the ink delivery port 132b by way of this ink delivery member 135.
  • the ink tapping tube 160d of the color holder 160 is inserted into the ink delivery port 132b, forming an ink path, and then, the ink is supplied to the black ink ejection orifice group 150B ( Figure 21 ) of the nozzle portion 150 through the ink passage constituted of the color holder 160 and a liquid passage cover 166 ( Figure 23 does not illustrate the path to the nozzle portion 150 because of the location of the sectional plane).
  • the seal ring 161 fitted around the ink delivery port 132b is airtightly pressed on the peripheries of the ink delivery port 132b, preventing ink leakage.
  • ribs 134 are formed on the internal surfaces of the container 132 and cover member 131, at predetermined locations ( Figure 23 illustrate only the ribs 134 of the cover member 131), so that a predetermined amount of space is formed between the ink absorbing member 133 and the container 130 walls, and between the ink absorbing member 133 and cover member 131; and also, a slit (unillustrated) for connecting the internal space of the container 132 to the outside is formed on the internal surface of the supporting member 132c.
  • the container 132 integrally comprises a disengagement prevention claw 132d, which is located on the container surface, which comes in contact with the internal surface of the color holder 160 wall on the base plate 51 side when the black ink container 130 not claimed is mounted in the color holder 160.
  • This disengagement prevention claw 132d engages with a cotainer disnegagement prevention hole 160i ( Figure 12 ) provided on the color holder 160. It also serves as a guide when the black ink container 130 not claimed is mounted in the color holder 160, and also plays a role for holding the black ink container 130 not claimed when the black ink container 130 not claimed is in the color holder 160.
  • a latch lever 132a is integrally formed. It is located on the opposite surface of the surface with the disengagement prevention claw 132d, and its bottom end portion is elastically supported.
  • a latch lever guide groove 167 for the black ink container 130 not claimed is integrally formed corresponding to the location of the latch lever 132a.
  • the latch lever 132a is inserted along this latch lever guide groove 167.
  • the latch lever 132a is under the pressure from the latch lever guide groove 167 being bent inward, and the latch claw 132e formed on the latch lever 132a is in the latch claw engagement hole 167a formed in the latch lever guide groove 160h.
  • a slanted surface 160k similar to the one formed on the mono-color holder ( Figure 12 ) is formed on this color holder 160, in the area where the black ink container 130 not claimed is mounted, and a slanted surface 132f is also formed on the black ink container 130 not claimed, on the surface correspondent to the slanted surface 160k.
  • a stepped portion 131a which is one step lower than the top surface of the cover member 131, is formed on the cover member 131 top surface, at the end portion of the disengagement prevention claw 131a side.
  • an extended portion 160f similar to the extended portion 60f ( Figure 11 ) of the mono-color holder 60 is formed on the color holder 160.
  • the black ink container 130 not claimed is mounted in, or dismounted from, the color holder 160 in the same manner as the mono-color ink container 30 not claimed is mounted or dismounted. That is, when the black ink container 130 not claimed is mounted in the color holder 160, the black ink container 130 not claimed is to be diagonally inserted, placing this stepped portion 131a under the black ink container 130 side extended portions 160f ( Figures 22 ) of the color holder 160, into the location where the black ink container 130 not claimed is to be mounted, and the disengagement prevention claw 132d is hooked into the container disengagement prevention hole 160i of the color holder 160.
  • the black ink container 130 not claimed is pushed down, being rotated about the disengagement prevention claw 132d side thereof, so that the latch claw 132e of the latch lever 132a is engaged with the latch claw engagement hole 167a of the latch lever guide groove 167.
  • all that is needed is to push in the latch lever 132a so that the latch claw 132e is disengaged from the latch claw engagement hole 167a.
  • the color ink container 140 not claimed has basically the same structure as the black ink container 130 not claimed. Referring to Figure 24 , it comprises a container 142 for storing three inks of different colors, and a cover member 141 for covering the container 142.
  • a stepped portion 141a formed on the cover member 141 is placed under the extended portion 160f ( Figure 22 ) on the color ink container 140 side.
  • the internal space of the container 142 is partitioned into three spaces of a substantially equal volume, by two partitioning plates 142f placed in parallel to each other. These three spaces are aligned in the direction in which the color ink container 140 not claimed is inserted when the color ink container 140 not claimed is mounted in the color recording head cartridge 101.
  • Each of these three spaces contains an ink absorbing member 143Y for absorbing and retaining yellow ink, an ink absorbing member 143M for absorbing and retaining magenta ink, and an ink absorbing member 143C for absorbing and retaining cyan ink, respectively.
  • ink delivery ports 142bY, 142bM and 142bC are formed so as to open up in the corresponding spaces, and they are aligned substantially in parallel to the direction in which the color ink container 140 is inserted.
  • each space is the same as the structure of the black ink container 130 not claimed; therefore, its description will be omitted.
  • the structure of the cover member 141 is also the same as the structure of the cover member of the black ink container 130 not claimed, except that an air vent (unillustrated) is formed for each space, and the cover member 141 is structured to seal each space from the other spaces; therefore, its description will be omitted.
  • ink tapping tubes 160d' ( Figure 24 does not illustrate the magenta ink tapping tube due to the location of the sectional plane) are provided corresponding to the locations of the ink delivery ports 142bY, 142bM and 142C.
  • the ink tapping tubes 160d' are in connection to the corresponding ejection orifice groups 150Y, 150M and 150C ( Figure 21 ), through the ink passages constituted of the color holder 160 and a liquid passage cover 166.
  • Figure 24 only the ink passage from the yellow ink space to the nozzle portion 150 is shown due to the location of the sectional plane.
  • a seal ring 161' is provided for each ink tapping tube 160d', but Figure 24 does not show the ink tapping tube 160d' for the magenta ink space.
  • the ink container 140 not claimed also has a latch lever 142a, a disengagement prevention claw 142d as well as the aforementioned stepped portion 141a, as the black ink container 130 does, which is illustrated by the side view given in Figure 26 .
  • the latch lever 142a engages with the latch lever guide groove 167' formed on the color holder 160, and when the color ink container 140 not claimed is in the color holder 160, the latch claw 142e formed on the latch lever 142a is engaged with a latch claw engagement hole 167a' formed on the latch lever guide groove 167'.
  • the is prevention claw 142d is located on the bottom end portion of the opposite surface of the surface with the latch lever 142a, and corresponding to this location of the latch lever 142a, an ink container disengagement prevention hole (unillustrated), which this disengagement prevention claw 142d engages, is formed on the color holder 160.
  • a slanted surface 160k' like the slanted surface formed on the mono-color holder 60 ( Figure 12 ), is formed on the color holder 160, in the area where the color ink container 140 not claimed is mounted, and a slanted surface 142g, which corresponds to the slanted surface 160k' is formed on the color ink container 140 not claimed.
  • the operation for mounting the color ink container 140 not claimed into the color holder 160, or dismounting it, is similar to the mounting or dismounting operation for the black ink container 130 not claimed. That is, when mounting, the disengagement prevention claw 142d side of the color ink container 140 not claimed is inserted into the color holder 160, and the color ink container 140 not claimed is rotated about the inserted portion, and when dismounting, the latch lever 142a is pushed in.
  • the ink delivery ports 142bY, 142bM and 142bC are aligned in parallel to the color ink container 140 inserting direction; therefore, when the color ink container 140 not claimed is mounted in the color holder 160, they become engaged with the correspondent ink tapping tubes 160', sequentially, starting from the one located nearest to the disengagement prevention claw 142d. As a result, the color ink container 140 not claimed is smoothly and reliably mounted in the color recording head cartridge 101.
  • a pop-up spring like the one illustrated in Figure 18 may be placed in the color holder 160 so that it is easier to remove the ink containers 130 and 140 not claimed.
  • Figure 27 is a perspective view of the black ink container 130 not claimed, color ink container 140 not claimed, color recording head cartridge 101, and the carriage 2.
  • the ink containers 130 and 140 not claimed are in the color recording head cartridge 101, and the cartridge 101 is on the carriage 2.
  • the ink containers 130 and 140 not claimed are aligned in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage 2; therefore, the latch lever 132a which is manipulated during the operation for mounting or dismounting the black ink container 130 not claimed, the latch lever 142a which is manipulated during the operation for mounting or dismounting the color ink container 140 not claimed, and the head mounting-dismounting tab 160c which is manipulated during the operation for mounting or dismounting the color recording head cartridge 101, are all on the same side, relative to the moving direction of the carriage 2.
  • This arrangement not only improves the efficiency of the operation for mounting or dismounting the ink containers 130 and 140 not claimed, and the color recording head cartridge 101, but also allows the structure to be very compact and logical in terms of design, as it does for the mono-color recording head cartridge 1 ( Figure 9 ).
  • the head portions of the latch levers 132a and 142a are aligned in a straight line; therefore, the available space is effectively used to reduce the size of the color recording head cartridge 101.
  • the levers 132a and 142a are positioned at a different level from the tab 160c; therefore, their functional difference can be easily recognized.
  • the black ink container 130 and color ink container 140 are differentiated from each other, and the angles and configurations of the correspondent slanted surfaces 160k and 160k' of the color holder 160 are matched with those of the slanted surfaces 132g and 142g of the black ink container 130 not claimed and color ink container 140 not claimed, respectively, the black ink container 130 and color ink container 140 are prevented from being erroneously mounted in the wrong side.
  • the aforementioned ink absorbing members 35 and 165 are constituted of fibrous material which is bundled so as to deliver the ink unidirectionally. They are used as ink delivery members for unidirectionally delivering the ink. As is apparent from Figure 30 , they are placed in the recessed portions formed in the bottom surfaces of the ink containers 30, 130 and 140 not claimed, correspondingly, and their cross-sectional areas are different from each other. Referring to Figures 29 and 30 , the leaf springs 68, 68C and 68B, which work on the corresponding ink containers during the mounting or dismounting operation, are fixed to thermally crimping members 202, 203 an 204 of the ink container holders 60 and 160.
  • thermally crimping members 202, 203 an 204 project into the ink container mounting spaces; therefore, recesses 202a, 202a, 203a, 203a and 204a are formed on the bottom surfaces of the corresponding ink containers 30, 130 and 140 not claimed, in order to assure that the absorbing members of the ink containers are airtightly placed in contact with the filters BK, BK, Y, M and C of the corresponding ink containers holders.
  • the leaf springs 68, 68B and 68C are deformed as the ink containers are positioned in the holders, and their elastic resiliency works to push up the ink containers.
  • This upward pushing force makes the aforementioned latch claws and disengagement claws engage with the holders.
  • the reaction force from this upward force further stabilizes the engagement between the ink delivery ports, and the filters which slightly project from the holder bottoms.
  • Figures 28a nd 37 the visual characteristic of each ink container will be described. As may be suspected from the aforementioned structures, in which the carriage, ink container holder, and one or two ink containers are packed into a small space, it is probable that it becomes impossible to know which lever should be manipulated to carry out a desired operation.
  • the common carriage is given a blackish color (preferably, the same color as the main assembly of the recording apparatus, since the carriage is never removed), and the ink containers 30, 130 and 140 not claimed are given greyish, transparent or reddish, and whitish colors, respectively.
  • the holders BHD and BCHD integral with the head they may be different in color, but in this comparative example, they are given a greenish color.
  • projections X1 - X5 are provided on the correspondent ink containers not claimed, and referring to Figure 29 , recesses Y1 - Y5 are provided on the ink container holders, at points correspondent to the projections X1 - X5.
  • the projections are provided on the ink containers not claimed because when the ink containers are mounted into the ink holders, with the ink delivery port opening facing downward, the presence of the projections prevents the ink delivery port openings from directly contacting the ink container holders.
  • the carriage 2 is given a black triangular mark 206, and a yellow triangular mark 207, meaning "color", on the ink container holder mounting side.
  • the same marks are placed on the ink containers not claimed, on the spots correspondent to the these triangular marks 206 and 207, respectively.
  • the container 30 not claimed occupies the entire mounting space of the container holder 60; therefore, it is given both the black triangular mark 206a and yellow triangular mark 207a, whereas the ink containers 130 and 140 not claimed, which are to be mounted in the color holder 160, are given the black triangular mark 206a and yellow triangular mark 207a, respectively, corresponding to the colors and mounting locations.
  • Figure 31 depicts a protective member for the ink container, and the structures related to the protective member.
  • the protective member for the ink container 30 not claimed is not shown, but as long as its functions, configuration and the like are essentially the same as the color ink container, it is satisfactory.
  • the protective members 200 and 201 are directly attached to the ink containers 130 and 140 not claimed, and ink delivery port covering members 200e and 201e, as ink absorbing sheets or caps, make contact with the bottom surfaces of the ink containers 130 and 140 not claimed, respectively.
  • This ink delivery port covering portion prevents unnecessary splashing of the ink; in particular, the covering portion for the color ink container 140 not claimed, prevents mixing of the inks.
  • the protective member in this embodiments is a protective member (200, 201) which is to be engaged with such an ink container (130, 140) that comprises: a delivery portion, which is located on the bottom wall, and delivers the recording ink stored in itself; a projection, which is located on one of the lateral walls, and is inserted into the recess of the holder in which the ink container is mounted; and an elastic latch lever, which has a latch claw, and is located on the opposite lateral wall of the one with the projection, and that is mounted into the holder, or dismounted from its, by means of engaging the latch claw into the engagement portion of the holder, or disengaging them.
  • a protective portion (200c 201c) which covers, in a non-contact manner, the peripheries of the manipulable elastic latch lever (132a, 142a) on which the aforementioned latch claw is located; a bottom surface portion with the absorbing member or cap (200e, 201e) for sealing the peripheries of the aforementioned ink delivery ports; a recessed portion (200f, 201f) for accommodating the aforementioned projection; and engagement portions (200a and 200b, 201a and 201b) which engage with the ink container, on the top corners (Ta, Tb) on the manipulable elastic latch lever side.
  • Figure 38 is a top view of the protective member 200 for the black ink container 130 not claimed, and Figure 38 depicts the packaged protective member 200 containing the black ink container 130 not claimed.
  • Figure 39(a) is a side view of Figure 38 as seen from the direction of an arrow mark A
  • Figure 39(b) is a side view of Figure 39(a) as seen from the direction of an arrow mark B.
  • Figure 40 is a top view of the protective member 201 for the color ink container 140 not claimed
  • Figure 41 depicts the packaged protective member 201 containing the color ink container 140 not claimed.
  • Figures 41(a) and 41(b) are a top view and a side view, respectively.
  • the ink containers 130 and 140 not claimed are protected by the protective members 200 and 201, respectively, and in addition, they are packed and sealed in envelopes 390 and 410.
  • the protective portions 200c and 201c formed on the protective members 200 and 201, respectively, will be described. As shown in the drawings, they are tapered so that the top portion of the latch levers (142a in Figure 41 ; not shown in Figure 39 ), which are to be protected by the protective members 200 and 201, are allowed to project slightly.
  • the reason for such an arrangement is that, when separating the protective member from the ink container, it is liable for the protective portions 200d and 201c to be grasped, whether the entire lever is tightly fitted in the protective portion, or loosely. If the protective portion is grasped when the entire latch is tightly fitted in the protective portion, the protective portion itself sometimes breaks, and if the protective portion is grasped when the entire latch lever is loosely fitted therein, the latch lever may be inadvertently hooked by a finger, and the latch lever itself may be broken. In either case, such undesirable accidents occurs when the protective member is hard to remove from the ink container.
  • the protective portion is tapered to allow the top portion of the latch lever to project slightly, so that it is impossible to grasp the protective portion alone; therefore, occurrences of such undesirable incidents as described above are prevented.
  • Figure 42 illustrates the protective member of the black ink container 30 not claimed, wherein (a) is a top view, and (b) is a side view.
  • Figure 43 depicts the packaged protective member 400 containing the black ink container 30, wherein (a) is a top view, and (b) is a side view.
  • Figure 44 depicts in detail the ink delivery port of the protective member 400 depicted in Figures 42 and 43 , wherein (a) is a partial section; (b), an enlarged section; and (c) is a partial section of the protective member 400 and ink container, depicting how two components are connected.
  • engagement portions 400a and 400b, a protective portion 400c, and a recessed portion 400f are formed, which are similar to those on the protective members 200 and 201.
  • the protective portion 400c is also similar to those of the protective members 200 and 201 in that it is also formed to allow the latch lever 32a to project slightly when the latch lever is fitted in the protective portion 400c, and in that it is sealed in an enveloped when handled.
  • the protective member 400 is different from the protective members 200 and 201 illustrated in Figure 31 , only in that an O-ring 401 is provided on the ink delivery port covering portion since the ink container, with which the protective member 400 is engaged, is the black ink container 30 not claimed, which has a large ink capacity.
  • the ink delivery port covering members 200e and 201e as the ink absorbing sheets of caps, were formed on the protective members 200 and 201, on the portions which come in contact with the ink container bottom, on the basis of the ink capacity of the ink container with which they are engaged (in this case, it is acceptable, needless to say, to paste the ink absorbing sheet onto the ink container itself, and place the ink delivery port covering member on the protective member).
  • the O-ring is used to seal more reliably.
  • a projection is formed on the protective members 400, at the location which corresponds to the ink delivery port area of the ink container 30, and an O-ring 401 is fitted around this projection.
  • grooves 441 are provided on the top surface of the 0-ring 401 to improve the sealing performance of the 0-ring.
  • Figure 44(b) which is an enlarged view of the edge portion 442, shows how this O-ring 401 is attached to the protective member 400; after the O-ring 401 is fitted around the projection, the top of the projection is thermally deformed to retain the 0-ring in a crimping manner.
  • the diameter ⁇ of the projection illustrated in Figure 44(a) is substantially the same as the diameter of the ink delivery port of the ink container 444 protected by the protective member.
  • the height h of the projection is set to be such that, when the protective member is engaged with the ink container 444, the projection comes as close as possible to a compressed member 443, without touching it, which is placed within the ink container to absorb and retain the ink. More specifically, it is set to be no more than 0.2 mm. this is due to the following reason.
  • the ink tends to accumulate in this gap when the ink container is dropped or when the like incident occurs, and the accumulated ink may lead to accidents; for example, the accumulated ink is liable to be splashed from the ink delivery port when the protective member is removed.
  • a large capacity ink container such as the ink container 30, since the large capacity ink container has a large ink delivery port.
  • the height of the projection is set to be no more than 0.2 mm so that the ink is prevented from accumulating in the gap formed between the projection tip and compressed member 443; therefore, the aforementioned accident can be prevented.
  • Each ink container not claimed comprises a manipulable elastic latch lever, which is located on one of the lateral walls, and has a latch claw.
  • the distance C which the latch claw travels when it clicks (hereinafter, a clicking amount C)
  • it is 0.9 mm in the case of the ink container 130 ( Figure 32(c)
  • it is no more than 1 mm; the distance C for the ink container 130 not claimed ( Figure 33 ) is not shown.
  • Figure 32 does not illustrates how the latch claw engages with the ink container holder.
  • Figure 33(f) and Figure 34(f) illustrate it; in either case, a separation distance TR, that is, the distance between the inward facing surface of the latch lever, and the container surface, on which the latch lever is located, is 2 mm for all containers.
  • the value of the clicking amount C is preferred to be no more than 1 mm.
  • the value of the separation distance TR it is necessary for this distance to be proportional to the clicking amount C, and also to be optimized; otherwise, the clicking amount C cannot be cleared, and/or clicking itself cannot occur.
  • the ink container not claimed comprises an ink delivery port, formed on the bottom wall for delivering the recording ink stored therein, and mounted into an ink container holder, or dismounted therefrom, by means of engaging the latch claw with the engagement portion of the holder in which the ink container is mounted, wherein the clicking amount C, which the latch claw travels to engage with the engagement portion, is no more than 1 mm, and the separation distance TR between the inward facing side of the projection tip and the container surface satisfies: 1.5C ⁇ TR ⁇ 3C.
  • the ink capacity of the ink container not claimed can be maximized in the available space without complicating the structures of the holder and carriage, and also, space necessary for manipulating the latch or latch lever can be minimized, while making the mounting or dismounting operation more reliable.
  • a more preferable condition is for the separation distance TR to satisfy: 2C ⁇ TR ⁇ 3C.
  • the manipulable tab 208 of the elastic latch lever is tapered. That is, the manipulable tab 208 surface (tapered surface 210) facing the lateral wall of the container is slanted in such a manner that the top portion of the manipulable tab 208 surface moves away from the lateral wall, at an angle which allows the tapered surface to be flatly placed in contact with the lateral wall of the container.
  • the lever is durable to withstand repeated manipulation.
  • Such durability can be realized by constructing the latch lever as illustrated in Figure 32(c) , that is, by means of bending the latch lever portion 209, adjacent to the latch claw, toward the lateral wall of the container. Needless to say, this structure is applied to each container not claimed as shown in Figure 33(c) or Figure 34(c) .
  • the angle between this bent portion and the lateral wall is no more than 20 deg. (15 deg. for each container in this comparative example), the structure is more practical and durable.
  • the latch lever strength is reduced.
  • the means for strengthening the structure of such a latch lever it is preferable that the latch lever thickness at the longitudinal center line portion is increased in the direction of the bend.
  • 11 - 14 represent maximum distances from the periphery of the interface F to the corners of the ink container not claimed and containing the ink. As is evident from the drawing, 11 - 14 are not equal; therefore, there is a concern in that the ink may not be uniformly delivered.
  • the ink container size could be reduced in a space efficient manner while maintaining preferable ink deliver performance: SH ⁇ 1 ⁇ 2.5 ⁇ SH
  • a reference numeral 1000 designates an ink absorbing member (sponge or the like). It practically fills the entire internal space of the flat ink container, including the surrounding area of the unidirectional ink delivery member 1002 of the ink delivery port region, and the space thereabove.
  • Reference numerals 1001 and 1003 designate guiding members which allow the ink delivery member 1002 to move.
  • the ink delivery performance of the flat ink container is preferable when the ratio of the height H of the ink absorbing member portion, occupying the space above the ink delivery member 1002, to the h of the ink delivery member 1002, is within a predetermined range. More specifically, when the maximum and minimum values of this height H satisfy the following formula, the container offers a preferable ink delivery characteristic: h ⁇ H ⁇ 4 ⁇ h
  • Figure 46 is a conceptual drawing describing the amount of the unidirectional ink delivery member movement, that is, the distance ⁇ which the bottom surface of the ink delivery member 1002 moves upward from its location prior to the ink container installation, by being pushed by the ink tapping tube when the ink container is mounted in the holder.
  • the ink absorbing member 1000 is also affected by this movement; it is compressed by + ⁇ .
  • the amount of compression is too small, the ink absorbing member and unidirectional fiber bundle do not make satisfactory contact, but when excessively large, the capillarity of the ink absorbing member becomes larger than that of unidirectional fiber bundle, failing to deliver a sufficient amount of the ink. In either case, the ink container cannot offer a satisfactory ink delivery performance.
  • the ink container can offer a referable ink delivery performance when ⁇ satisfies the following requirement: 0.1 mm ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ 0.5 mm
  • the distance ⁇ which the bottom surface of the ink delivery member 1002 moves when the ink container is mounted in the holder as illustrated in Figure 28 is 0.3 mm for all three containers, which satisfies the aforementioned condition; therefore, local contact failure between the absorbing member 1000 and ink delivery member 1002 as illustrated in Figure 45 can be reliably prevented, and the ink absorbing member is not compressed excessively. As a result, the ink distribution within the ink absorbing member is not affected unnecessarily.
  • a reference numeral 1004 designates the ink container surface on which a seal ring 61 is placed
  • a Greek reference ⁇ designates the distance from the surface 1004 to the location of the bottom surface of the ink delivery member prior to the ink container installation.
  • the distance ⁇ is preferred to satisfy the following predetermined condition: 0.3 mm ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ 0.8 mm
  • the leaked ink can be satisfactorily disposed with the absorbing member placed in the cap (protective member) 200, even if an unexpected situation forces the ink to leak from the ink delivery port while the ink container is in storage. If the distance a is excessively small, the ink delivery member 1002 is liable to be excessively exposed to the outside, inviting the adhesion of foreign matter. In the case of the ink container not claimed in Figure 33 , 34 or 35 , the distance ⁇ is 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm, correspondingly.
  • the ink container can offer a preferable ink delivery performance, and also, ink consumption can be improved: 0 , 39 N / mm 2 ⁇ N ⁇ 0 , 79 N / mm 2 40 gf / mm 2 ⁇ N ⁇ 80 gf / mm 2
  • the contact pressure N When the contact pressure N is too small, the flow of the ink from the ink container to the recording head is liable to be interrupted, whereas, when it is too much, the unidirectional ink delivery member excessively compresses the ink absorbing member, changing the capillary structure of the ink absorbing member into such a structure that interferes with the ink flow.
  • the contact pressures N maintained by the aforementioned latching structure are 0,55 N/mm 2 [56 gf/mm 2 ], 0,68 N/mm 2 [69 gf/mm 2 ] and 0,65 N/mm 2 [66 gf/mm 2 ] for both containers, correspondingly, which can offer the above effects.
  • the contact pressure N it is more preferable for the contact pressure N to be no less than 0,49 N/mm 2 [50 gf/mm 2 ] and no more than 0,55 N/mm 2 [56 gf/mm 2 ] as it is in this embodiment.
  • Figure 49 is an explanatory drawing for describing one of the conditions for maintaining a preferable ink delivery performance.
  • alphabetic references LX and LO designate perpendiculars drawn from the centers 04 of the ink delivery port of the ink container and the center 03 of the area where the filter located at the ink tapping tube of the head makes contact, to the imaginary line connecting the centers 01 and 02 of the acting portions of the opposing walls of the ink container, and MX designates the maximum distance from the ink delivery portion to the imaginary line (in the case of the aforementioned ink container not claimed illustrated in Figure 32(e) , 33(g) or 34(c) , the imaginary line is equivalent to the line connecting the center of the latch portion and the center of the claw).
  • a least one of the distances represented by the perpendiculars LX and LO, respectively, and the maximum distance MX, more preferably, all of these distances are no more than 10 mm.
  • the reaction from the force which works on the surface AF and BF during the installation of the ink container effectively works to press the ink delivery portion, and the ink tapping tube of the head side, against each other, assuring thereby satisfactory connection between the two components.
  • the reaction force sometimes fails to join satisfactorily the ink delivery port of the ink container, and the ink tapping tube of the head.
  • the ink delivery port is preferred to be on the aforementioned imaginary line as depicted in Figure 32 or 33 .
  • the distance from the center in Figure 32 is 1 mm, the maximum being 6 mm, and the ink delivery port is on the imaginary line.
  • the distance from the center is 1 mm, the maximum being 6 mm, and the ink delivery port is on the imaginary line.
  • the distances from the centers of the ink delivery ports Y, M and C are 2.5 mm, 7.0 mm, and 7.0 mm, the maximum being 4.5 mm, 9.0 mm and 9.0 mm, correspondingly.
  • the internal structure of the ink delivery port is optional, and the same effects can be obtained with the absorbing member alone. When these numerical conditions are synergistically satisfied, the ink is more preferably delivered.
  • Figure 50 to 55 show comparative examples not claimed and the rest of the drawings depict the modifications of the ink container holder and ink container, as well as the methods for mounting these modified ink containers in the modified ink container holders.
  • the ink container in the holder does not have the latching member or the latching claw; the ink container is held in the ink holder, with the use of a cover member 1005, the top wall of which is warped in the direction to press the ink container.
  • the cover member has engagement portions 1005b and 1005a, which engage with an overhang portion 60f and an engagement hole, respectively. When the ink container is mounted, these portions engage each other, and the warped portion presses the ink container.
  • the ink container can be simply and reliably mounted without forming the claw portion and projection on the ink container itself.
  • the cover member itself does not press the ink container. Instead, the ink container is pressed by a spring 1007 placed between the cover member 1006 and ink container. Also in this example, the engagement portions 1006a and 1006b engage with the ink container holder, and the ink container is reliably held down by the spring 1007.
  • the ink container is cut away by a small piece, at the top corner portion opposite to the claw side, and a stopper 1009 composed of elastic material is inserted into the cutaway portion, to stabilize the ink container.
  • the ink container is held by a retainer 1010 like the protective member 400 illustrated in Figure 42 .
  • the ink container not claimed illustrated in Figure 56 is provided with a recess 1014, which is located in the area toward which the latching portion is bent. This arrangement improves operational efficiency when mounting the ink container.
  • the ink container not claimed illustrated in Figure 57 has cutaway portions 1016 and 1017, on the front surface, relative to the inserting direction, so that it is easier to insert the ink container. Though this structure reduces the ink capacity, it improves operational efficiency when mounting the ink container.
  • projections 1018 and 1019 are provided, which engage with the overhang portion when the ink container is mounted in the ink container holder with the overhang portion.
  • the projections 1018 and 1019 come in contact with the bottom surface of the overhang portion, by the top surface of the portion projecting in the inserting direction.
  • the top surface has two upward projections, which serve as stoppers for positioning the ink container.
  • Figure 59 depicts an ink container 1020, which has nothing but a claw portion like the one illustrated in Figure 54 .
  • Figure 60 depicts an ink container, to which a differently structured latch lever is applied.
  • Figures 61 is a sectional view of the ink container illustrated in Figure 60 .
  • This ink container 30 is a modification of the ink container depicted in Figure 14 . It integrally comprises a latch lever 32a, the top end of which is elastically supported on a cover member 31, at the top end portion opposite to a disengagement prevention claw 32d.
  • This latch lever 32a is slanted in the down and outward direction, and engages with the latch lever accommodating (guide) groove 60h of the mono-color holder 60.
  • the latch lever 32a When the ink container 30 is in the mono-color holder 60, the latch lever 32a is under the pressure from the latch lever guide portion 60m, that is, the top end portion of the latch lever accommodating groove 60h, being bent in the direction indicated by an arrow mark C in Figure 14 , and a latch claw 32e formed at the bottom end portion of the latch lever 32a is engaged with the latch claw engagement hole 60j formed in the latch lever accommodating groove 60h.
  • the latch lever 32a integrally comprises a latch lever knob 32g, which is a projection to be used for manipulating the latch lever 32.
  • the latch lever 32a is integrally formed on the cover member 31.
  • a stepped portion 31a which is one step lower than the top surface of the cover member 31, is formed at the end portion on the disengagement prevention claw 32d side.
  • the ink container 30 is inserted in such a manner as to place this stepped portion 31a under the overhang portions 60f of the mono-color holder 60 ( Figures 11 and 12 ), so that the ink container position is fixed with substantial accuracy.
  • an ink container projection 32b which engages with the ink container projection guide portion 60g of the mono-color holder 60, is formed on the ink container 60.
  • Figure 62 is a sectional view of the mono-color holder 60, and the ink container 30 in the holder 60. In this drawing, the internal structure of the ink container 30 is omitted.
  • the ink container 30 When the ink container 30 is in the holder 60, the disengagement prevention claw 32d and ink container disengagement prevention hole 60i are engaged, and also, the latch claw 32e and latch claw engagement hole 60j are engaged. Therefore, the ink container 30 is pressed down (in the direction of an arrow), compressing the seal ring 61 by the bottom surface. As a result, the filter 62 is pressed against the ink absorbing member 35, and the ink container 30 is airtightly connected to the mono-color holder 60, eliminating the concern for the air introduction through the joint. Therefore, a reliable recording performance can be assured. In addition, the ink leak and ink evaporation from the joint can be also prevented; therefore, it is possible to provide a highly reliable recording head cartridge.
  • the latch lever 32a When removing the ink container 30 from the mono-color holder 60, the latch lever 32a is pushed in by depressing the latch lever knob 32g, so that the engagement between the latch claw 32e and latch claw engagement hole 60j is broken.
  • the latch lever 32a is elastically supported by the top end portion, and also is slanted in the down and outward direction of the ink container 30; therefore, as the latch claw 32e is disengaged from the latch claw engagement hole 60j, the latch claw 32e tries restore itself to the state illustrated in Figure 61 . Consequently, the latch claw 32e slides up along the latch lever guide portion 60m, automatically raising the latch lever 32a side of the ink container 30, and thereby, tilting the ink container 30. In this state, the ink container 30 can be easily dismounted from the mono-color holder 60 just by grasping the raised portion.
  • the amount of the ink container 30 projection from the mono-color holder is determined by the configuration of the latch lever 33e.
  • the tip of the latch lever 32a and the latch lever guide portion 60 are in contact with each other as shown in Figure 63 ; therefore, the amount of the projection is substantially equivalent to the distance L between the latch claw 32e and the tip of the latch lever 32a.
  • This distance L is 4 mm in this embodiment.
  • the ink container 30 restores itself to the state illustrated in Figure 63 if the engagement between the latch claw 32e and latch claw engagement hole 60j is incomplete when the ink container 30 is mounted in mono-color holder 60; therefore, it is possible to determine visually whether or not the ink container 30 is properly mounted, preventing a mounting error.
  • Figures 64 and 65 show comparative examples of the recording head cartridge mountable on the carriage illustrated in Figure 3 .
  • Figure 64 is a perspective view thereof
  • Figure 65 is a sectional view thereof.
  • the configurations of a latch lever 532a and latch lever guide portion 560m are different from those of the first comparative example. That is, the latch claw 532e of the latch lever 532a is formed to face inward, and engages with the latch claw engagement hole 560j in the inward direction. Further, the latch lever knob 532g extends upward. On the other hand, the tapered portion of the latch lever guide portion 560m is on the outward facing surface.
  • the top end portion of the latch lever knob 532g is pushed in (in the direction of an arrow mark in the drawing). With this action, the latch claw 532e is bent outward due to the principle of leverage, and disengaged from the latch claw engagement hole 560j. Then, the end portion of the latch claw 532e slides up along the tapered surface of the latch lever guide portion 560m, causing the ink container 530 to project from the mono-color holder 60. At this point, the ink container 530 can be easily dismounted from the mono-color holder 560 by grasping this projection portion as described in the first comparative example.
  • the amount of the ink container 530 projection is determined by the distance L between the latch claw 532e and the tip of the latch lever 532a.
  • Figure 66 illustrates the modified configuration of the ink container latch lever.
  • the latch lever knob portion 632g of the latch lever 632a depicted in Figure 66(a) is constituted of two knobs, like a square piller, disposed with a predetermined distance.
  • a through hole is cut at the base portion, in the middle.
  • the slanted surface formed at the edge portion, where the bottom wall and one of the lateral walls join is used to engage the claw-like projection, formed on the aforementioned lateral wall, into the disengagement prevention hole of the ink container holder, and also is used to engage the latch lever, supported elastically on another lateral wall opposite to the wall with the claw-like projection, with the engagement hole of the ink container holder; in other words, the ink container can be accurately positioned and held in the ink container holder, using the simple structure and through the simple operation.
  • the ink container is rotated about the side with the projection; therefore, it can be mounted or dismounted using a smaller space.
  • a stepped portion to be placed under the overhang portion of the ink container holder is formed on the top surface of the ink container; therefore, the claw-like projection can be easily aligned with the engagement prevention hole.
  • the projection which is to be engaged into the recessed portion of the ink container holder, is formed on the both lateral walls of the ink container, at the top end portion; therefore, the claw-like projection and disengagement prevention hole can be easily aligned, and also, the latch claw can be easily engaged with the engagement hole.
  • the ink delivery ports correspondent to these inks are aligned in the direction from one ink container end to the other end; therefore, when the ink container is mounted in the ink container holder, the ink delivery ports and the correspondent ink tapping means of the ink container holder are sequentially joined as the ink container is rotated, reliably connecting the two components.
  • the ink container in accordance with the present invention When the ink container in accordance with the present invention is mounted in the ink container holder in accordance with the present invention, the ink container is inserted in such a manner as to placing the container under the overhang portion which partially covers the opening of the ink container holder, so that the claw-like projection of the ink container is engaged with the disengagement prevention hole formed in one of the lateral walls of the ink container holder, and the latch lever of the ink container is engaged with the engagement hole formed in the opposite lateral wall; therefore, the ink container can be accurately positioned and retained, using the simple structure, and through the simple operation.
  • the ink container when the ink container is mounted or dismounted, the ink container is rotated about the ink container lateral wall with the claw-like projection; therefore, the ink container can be mounted or dismounted using a smaller space.
  • a recessed portion, with which the projection formed on the ink container engages, is formed on both lateral walls of the ink container holder, at the top ends; therefore, when the ink container is mounted, it is regulated where in the ink container holder the ink container is to be mounted, making it easier to align the claw-like projection with the disengagement prevention hole.
  • Pressing means for pressing the latch lever side of the ink container bottom toward the opening of the ink container holder is provided on the bottom wall of the opening; therefore, when the latch claw is disengaged from the engagement hole, the ink container is projected more, making the ink container to be removed more easily.
  • the ink tapping means are arranged in the direction from one of the lateral walls of the ink container holder to the other; therefore, the joints between the ink delivery ports and ink tapping means are stabilized.
  • Partitioning plates are placed in the ink container holder to divide the internal space of the ink container holder into a plurality of sub-spaces; therefore, a plurality of the ink containers can be mounted, allowing the inks to be efficiently used.
  • matching slanted surfaces are formed on the ink containers and corresponding ink container holders, respectively; therefore, the ink containers are prevented from being mounted in the wrong space.
  • the ink container holder is integrally formed with a recording head, realizing a recording head cartridge in which the ink container is removably mountable.
  • this recording head cartridge is rendered removably mountable on the carriage, it is applicable to ink jet recording apparatuses of the serial type.
  • the ink container holder can be mounted on the carriage through the same steps as those used for mounting the ink container in the ink container holder. That is, the ink container holder can be mounted on the carriage by means of pushing the opposite lateral wall side onto the carriage in such a manner as to rotate the ink container holder about the positioning means side; therefore, the ink container holder can be accurately positioned and retained on the carriage, using a smaller space.
  • the reliable contact can be assured between the head terminal and carriage terminal by means of arranging the head terminal and the engagement portion in a straight line in parallel to the lateral wall of the ink container holder.
  • a holder manipulating tab is provided on the outward facing surface of the exposed lateral wall of the holder; therefore, the ink container holder can be easily removed. Further, the latch claw engagement hole and the tab are staggered; therefore, it is possible to prevent the mixup between the operation for removing the ink container from the ink container holder and the operation for removing the ink container holder from the carriage.
  • a manipulable tab for mounting the ink container holder on the carriage, or removing it, is formed on the ink container holder, in the recessed portion, that is, the recessed portion relative to the portion which is projected outward to form the latch lever accommodating portion; therefore, it is unnecessary to create specially a space, in which an operator places a finger when mounting the ink container holder onto the carriage, or removing it. Consequently, it is possible to simplify the structure of the portion to be manipulated when the holder is mounted on carriage or removed, as well as to reduce the ink container holder size. In particular, when this manipulable portion is formed at the top portion of the recessed portion, the mounting or removing operation can be more easily carried out.
  • this manipulable portion is formed on the surface provided with the fixing portion to be held by the carriage when the ink container holder is on the carriage, at the location farthest away from this fixing portion; therefore, the ink container holder can be securely held by the carriage, while allowing the ink container holder to be mounted on the carriage or removed, by a less force, making the mounting or removing operation easier.
  • the manipulable knob portion for mounting or removing the ink container, and the manipulable tab portion for mounting the ink container holder on the carriage or removing it, are disposed on the same side, relative to the moving direction of the carriage, concentrating the manipulable portions; therefore, the mounting or removing operation is easier whether the ink container is involved or the ink container holder.
  • the mounting or removing operation can be carried out wherever the carriage is located.
  • the manipulable portion for the mounting or removing operation of the ink container when the manipulable portion for the mounting or removing operation of the ink container is disposed above the manipulable portion for mounting the ink container holder on the carriage or removing it, the ink container, which is more frequently mounted or removed, can be more easily mounted or removed.
  • a plurality of ink containers can be mounted on the ink container holder, the manipulable portions of the ink containers are arranged in the same straight line; therefore, a compact and logical design can be realized, and also, the size can be reduced.
  • the carriage in accordance with the present invention removably holds the ink container holder integral with a recording head, among the ink container holder in accordance with the present invention; therefore, the ink container holder can be simply mounted or removed, using a smaller space.
  • any ink container holder is acceptable as long as it comprises positioning means, an electrical terminal portion, and a guide member, and their positional relationship is in accordance with the present invention.
  • the color recording head and monochrome recording head can be optionally used.
  • the manipulable portion of the ink container that is, the latch lever, and the manipulable tab portion of the ink container holder, are disposed on the same side relative to the moving direction of the carriage; therefore, the relationship between the mounting and dismounting operations becomes coherent, improving operational efficiency, and also, such an arrangement is superior in terms of design.
  • An overhang portion which partially covers the top surface of the ink.container holder when the ink container holder is on the carriage, is formed on the carriage, on the surface facing the outward facing surface of one of the lateral walls of the ink container holder, opposite to the manipulable portions; therefore, the ink container holder and carriage can be more easily aligned.
  • the overhang portion it is difficult for the operator's finger or the like to contact the terminal portion or the like; in other words, the carriage terminal can be protected.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises two bearing portions and two clasping portions, as the supporting means for supporting the carriage in the recording apparatus reciprocatively, wherein the gap between the two components constituting the clasping portion closer to the guide member is rendered larger than that of the other clasping portion; therefore, the carriage is prevented from being excessively deformed, when the ink container holder is mounted or dismounted, eliminating one of the operational problems.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises the carriage in accordance with the present invention
  • the space necessary for mounting the ink container holder on the carriage or removing it, or mounting the ink container into the ink container holder or removing it can be smaller. Consequently, it is possible to realize a smaller ink jet recording apparatus.
  • the ink container is accurately positioned in the ink container holder, and the ink container holder is accurately positioned on the carriage; therefore, it is possible to provide a highly reliable ink jet recording apparatus capable of producing high quality images.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
EP05027418A 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer Expired - Lifetime EP1645420B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP6199809A JP2801149B2 (ja) 1994-08-24 1994-08-24 インクタンクおよびインクタンクホルダ
JP3234795A JP3042826B2 (ja) 1995-02-21 1995-02-21 インクタンク、および該インクタンクを着脱自在に保持するホルダを備えたインクジェット記録装置
JP4110795A JP3062030B2 (ja) 1995-02-28 1995-02-28 インクタンク
JP4081495A JP3115783B2 (ja) 1995-02-06 1995-02-28 インクタンク、該インクタンクに着脱自在な保護部材及び該インクタンクを保持するためのホルダを着脱自在に保持するキャリッジを備えたインクジェット記録装置
EP95113258A EP0698497B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP98116534A EP0879703B2 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container, carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP02002758A EP1203668B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container carriage for the holder and ink jet printer

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02002758A Division EP1203668B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container carriage for the holder and ink jet printer

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1645420A2 EP1645420A2 (en) 2006-04-12
EP1645420A3 EP1645420A3 (en) 2006-05-31
EP1645420B1 true EP1645420B1 (en) 2008-10-29

Family

ID=27459593

Family Applications (8)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98116534A Expired - Lifetime EP0879703B2 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container, carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP98116536A Expired - Lifetime EP0885729B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container, carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP05027418A Expired - Lifetime EP1645420B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer
EP03016218A Expired - Lifetime EP1354711B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer
EP02002758A Expired - Lifetime EP1203668B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP95113258A Expired - Lifetime EP0698497B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP98116535A Expired - Lifetime EP0884186B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container, carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP05023440.0A Expired - Lifetime EP1621351B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98116534A Expired - Lifetime EP0879703B2 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container, carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP98116536A Expired - Lifetime EP0885729B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container, carriage for the holder and ink jet printer

Family Applications After (5)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03016218A Expired - Lifetime EP1354711B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer
EP02002758A Expired - Lifetime EP1203668B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP95113258A Expired - Lifetime EP0698497B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP98116535A Expired - Lifetime EP0884186B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer, holder for the container, carriage for the holder and ink jet printer
EP05023440.0A Expired - Lifetime EP1621351B1 (en) 1994-08-24 1995-08-23 Ink container for ink jet printer

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (8) US5619237A (ko)
EP (8) EP0879703B2 (ko)
KR (1) KR0156794B1 (ko)
CN (7) CN1157293C (ko)
AU (1) AU688545B2 (ko)
CA (4) CA2156809C (ko)
DE (9) DE69535871D1 (ko)
ES (6) ES2315445T3 (ko)
HK (4) HK1011950A1 (ko)

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CN1081551C (zh) 2002-03-27
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ES2314004T3 (es) 2009-03-16
CN1186198C (zh) 2005-01-26
CN1157293C (zh) 2004-07-14
CA2434525A1 (en) 1996-02-25
US20020118248A1 (en) 2002-08-29
US8425022B2 (en) 2013-04-23
EP1203668A3 (en) 2002-07-24
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EP1621351A2 (en) 2006-02-01
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EP0879703A3 (en) 1999-03-17
CN1132145A (zh) 1996-10-02
DE69526459T2 (de) 2002-08-29
HK1049646A1 (en) 2003-05-23
EP1203668A2 (en) 2002-05-08
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DE69532150D1 (de) 2003-12-24
CN1212207A (zh) 1999-03-31
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US7407275B2 (en) 2008-08-05
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DE29522398U1 (de) 2002-11-21
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